Shakkei in Modern Architecture: Capturing the Landscape Alive
In the creation of Japanese gardens, there is a traditional technique known as Shakkei, or “borrowed scenery.” It is the art of incorporating the landscape beyond the property’s boundaries so seamlessly that it appears to be an integral part of the garden itself. However, this spatial manipulation—framing and capturing an outside view—is not unique to […]
Focusing on the Japanese Garden as a Healing Garden
It has long been observed that Japanese gardens and traditional architectural spaces offer profound psychological and physical healing effects for those who inhabit them. At PED, we are convinced that the essence of these restorative spaces can be integrated into modern architecture worldwide. We continue to conduct research to bridge these traditional wisdoms with contemporary […]
Reflections on the World Japanese Garden Conference
The World Japanese Garden Conference I attended in Japan this past September was incredibly stimulating. Furthermore, meeting individuals involved in Japanese gardens across the United States, Mexico, China, and Japan is a valuable asset to me. The High Quality of Japanese Garden Creation and Maintenance Ueyakato Landscape in Kyoto is one of Japan’s top-tier landscape […]
The Greatness of Tree Shade
I’m heading back to Japan temporarily this month, and my only worry is the extreme heat. When I went back at the same time last year, I thought it was unbearably hot, but this year I hear it’s at a disaster level. It’s frightening. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Japan recorded the hottest summer […]
Woodlawn Cemetery: A Garden of Grand Mausoleums & Literary Legacies
Beginning with Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, there are several cemeteries in the United States that offer beautiful and peaceful landscapes. This past weekend, I visited one of them, Woodlawn Cemetery in New York. Established in 1863, this vast 400-acre cemetery feels like an exquisitely maintained garden. It also resembles a botanical garden, featuring many […]
